What is string theory? The physics definition states that string theory is the set of theories being studied by physicist to discover the theory of everything. String theory is a way for physicist to unify the universe into one concept. The Standard Model describes the universe as made up of tiny particles which move through space in a linear fashion. Individual particles have differing spin, charge, and masses, all of which create the different particles present in nature. However, the Standard Model fails to relate Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity with Quantum Field Theory. Therefore, a Theory that encompasses and accurately describes all four of the major forces (Gravity, Electro-Magnetism, Weak Nuclear Forces, and Strong Nuclear Forces) in relation to each other was needed, and so String Theory became popular.
Particles such as electrons and quarks, are not particles at all actually, they are said to really consist of tiny vibrating strings. These strings are to be Placnk length which is 10^-33. (Very small). They are so small actually that they are undetectable to particle accelerators. (Particle accelerators are scientific instruments that increase the kinetic energy of charged particles.) Thus meaning this theory is merely a theory due to the fact that it is untestable, so far.[1][2]
String theory assumes that there are objects smaller than quarks. String seeks to link the laws regulating the nature of large objects and smaller objects. In summary, string theory states that the world is composed of microscopic particles that are in the shape of closed or open stings (i.e. a closed string looks like an O and an open string looks similar to __ ).
The purpose of String Theory is to describe all of the four fundamental in both the microscopic and macroscopic realm of our universe. This theory brings quantum mechanics and general relativity to harmony. Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a mathematical study of the smallest particle of matter and energy. General relativity, general theory of relativity, on the other hand is the geometric theory of gravity combining special relativity and Newton’s law of universal gravitation. String theory presumes that all matter in the universe is composed of diminutive strings that, due to differences in the oscillation of the strings, appear to be different particles (like an electron or a quark). In addition, the strings are able to combine with and separate from other strings. However, String Theory does not solely unite the subatomic world, it also unites time, space, and forces.[3]
The strings in String Theory are not solely in one dimension. There are around ten dimensions, ranging from zero (a point) to nine. These dimensions are normally referred to as p-branes; for example, a point is a zero-brane, a string is a one-brane, etc… String Theory describes 6 extra dimensions other than the normal 4; the 6 extra dimensions are in the shape of a ball, and exist at every point in the universe. However, some of the more consistent branches of String Theory suggest up to eleven dimensions. (below: the extra dimensions of String Theory science front line)
As opposed to traditional models for elementary particles, String Theory does not state that the elementary particles are points in space and time (points that are dimensionless), but rather as objects similar to the common one-dimensional string. String Theory was introduced to the scientific community in the 1970s, but was not initially popular. Rather, it became popular about a decade later, in the 1980s. There is not just one universally-accepted String Theory, but this webpage will deal with the most accepted. Although string theory cannot provide any quantitative experimental predictions, mathematical physicist such as Edward Written, Leonard Susskind, and many more feel as though string theory is “a step towards the correct fundamental description of nature.”
String Theory
What is string theory? The physics definition states that string theory is the set of theories being studied by physicist to discover the theory of everything. String theory is a way for physicist to unify the universe into one concept. The Standard Model describes the universe as made up of tiny particles which move through space in a linear fashion. Individual particles have differing spin, charge, and masses, all of which create the different particles present in nature. However, the Standard Model fails to relate Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity with Quantum Field Theory. Therefore, a Theory that encompasses and accurately describes all four of the major forces (Gravity, Electro-Magnetism, Weak Nuclear Forces, and Strong Nuclear Forces) in relation to each other was needed, and so String Theory became popular.
Particles such as electrons and quarks, are not particles at all actually, they are said to really consist of tiny vibrating strings. These strings are to be Placnk length which is 10^-33. (Very small). They are so small actually that they are undetectable to particle accelerators. (Particle accelerators are scientific instruments that increase the kinetic energy of charged particles.) Thus meaning this theory is merely a theory due to the fact that it is untestable, so far.[1] [2]
String theory assumes that there are objects smaller than quarks. String seeks to link the laws regulating the nature of large objects and smaller objects. In summary, string theory states that the world is composed of microscopic particles that are in the shape of closed or open stings (i.e. a closed string looks like an O and an open string looks similar to __ ).
The purpose of String Theory is to describe all of the four fundamental in both the microscopic and macroscopic realm of our universe. This theory brings quantum mechanics and general relativity to harmony. Quantum mechanics, also known as quantum physics or quantum theory, is a mathematical study of the smallest particle of matter and energy. General relativity, general theory of relativity, on the other hand is the geometric theory of gravity combining special relativity and Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
String theory presumes that all matter in the universe is composed of diminutive strings that, due to differences in the oscillation of the strings, appear to be different particles (like an electron or a quark). In addition, the strings are able to combine with and separate from other strings. However, String Theory does not solely unite the subatomic world, it also unites time, space, and forces.[3]
The strings in String Theory are not solely in one dimension. There are around ten dimensions, ranging from zero (a point) to nine. These dimensions are normally referred to as p-branes; for example, a point is a zero-brane, a string is a one-brane, etc… String Theory describes 6 extra dimensions other than the normal 4; the 6 extra dimensions are in the shape of a ball, and exist at every point in the universe. However, some of the more consistent branches of String Theory suggest up to eleven dimensions.
(below: the extra dimensions of String Theory science front line)
As opposed to traditional models for elementary particles, String Theory does not state that the elementary particles are points in space and time (points that are dimensionless), but rather as objects similar to the common one-dimensional string. String Theory was introduced to the scientific community in the 1970s, but was not initially popular. Rather, it became popular about a decade later, in the 1980s. There is not just one universally-accepted String Theory, but this webpage will deal with the most accepted. Although string theory cannot provide any quantitative experimental predictions, mathematical physicist such as Edward Written, Leonard Susskind, and many more feel as though string theory is “a step towards the correct fundamental description of nature.”